From the perspective of Selena
A year before Eve and Mike's wedding
Holding Felix's hand, we leave the psychiatric clinic together, ignoring the stares of people. I don't care what others think, what they have to say about my boyfriend. I am with him, I am his support, and I intend to be with him forever. Furthermore, I don't want him to feel lonely and depressed, so I go with him to every visit, showing him support in his fight with his illness.
He is a young man who has been through a lot. He needs my help and the help of those closest to him to get rid of this curse from his life, send these demons to hell, and enjoy every day with people who care about his health.
My parents are angry and don't respect my opinion. There was a day when I finally told them the truth and told them what was the reason for my departure. They don't like that I'm sacrificing my life and happiness for a mentally ill guy. It's just a pity that they can't understand that he is my whole happiness, and I didn't even think for a moment that he was wasting my life.
Now that I'm an adult, I have a different perspective on it. I love him and want the best for him. I want to be a part of his journey to recovery, and I will do anything to help him do so.
Since he has been on proper treatment and taking the right medications, he has been a truly wonderful guy. I can't imagine a future without him. Every day I dream that when he finally gets back on his feet, we will be able to start a family and all the dark clouds will leave our heads.
I really want the best for him.
- I think you should go home and spend some time with your parents. I feel bad enough that they blame me and hate me for everything.
This is the first time in a long time that I glare at him.
- No. I'm an adult, and I'll make my own decisions, knowing what's best for me. I'm not interested in their opinion. Until they understand all the bad words they've said to me, I won't go to them. I know, they're my parents, I love them, of course, but I also love you very much, and I don't want anyone to insult you or accuse you. They have to respect my decisions and the fact that I'll take care of my future.
- Your parents love you, it's normal that they worry about you. They are really wonderful people, whom you can't appreciate - he says in a grumpy voice. - I don't want you to have a bad relationship with them. Do this for me, please. Maybe meeting and talking to them face to face will change your views. Think about it, please.
- I'll think about it – I mutter under my breath.
Our attention is drawn to Sebastian, who is waiting for us in front of the car, arguing with a young woman. The reason is a scratch on the bumper, which is the work of the stranger.
- How can you drive so recklessly? Did you win your license in a bag of chips? - he shouts at her, nervously scratching his head. This car is his whole life, it even has a woman's name, so it's incomprehensible to him that someone just destroyed it.
- I am so sorry, sir. Can we somehow come to an understanding? - asks the frightened woman.
- Reach an agreement? Lady, I saw you checking your mirror and fixing your hair when you parked in front of me. There will be no agreement! I won't let you be an obstacle to others! What if a child or someone else came up from behind, and you hit them?
I glance at Felix, who is frowning at me.
- I have the impression that this bastard is modeling himself too much on my brother. Why can't he just let this woman go? It's a small scratch. She looks like she's about to faint from fear. If I were healthy, I'd bash his skull in right now, but I don't want them to lock me up in a mental institution.
- He just loves his car very much. He treats it like his girlfriend, you know.
Felix just rolls his eyes without commenting.
*
Tonight is so warm and pleasant that we walk along the seashore, holding hands and watching the sunset. Felix is hushed, although I have brought up the subject several times, he only hums in response. I look at him and I can see that something is bothering him, he looks nervous.
"Now, for just a moment, can we be serious and very honest with each other?" he asks unexpectedly, sending a feeling of unease through my entire body.
"I'm very honest with you at all times, Felix," I reply, and then he stops mid-step and turns me around to face him, looking intensely into my eyes.
- How do you really imagine life with me, Selena? - Now I understand that this question has been troubling him for a long time. - Yes, my prognosis is good. There is a good chance that my condition will be excellent if the treatment continues to be accepted, but you realize that it is a genetic disease, and what if in the future you want to have children? I am afraid of it. I would rather not be the same monster as my mother. Furthermore, I also do not want my child to suffer, even if I dream about him in my dreams every night. I cannot imagine life without you. I would like to be with you, to create a family and die of old age in your arms, but I would rather not be selfish either. You understand, right?
Tears form in my eyes just because I feel sad about his thoughts.
- Felix, I made the decision a long time ago that I want to be by your side until the end of my days. I see only you in my future, and I am ready to create a family with you. Never compare yourself to your mother again. You are a different person, a wonderful person who was hurt by her. I believe that you will be an incredible father if we ever decide to have children. I love you with all my heart and accept that in that beautiful head of yours.
- Although I would be able to let you go so you could have a better life, I won't hide the fact that my heart would break into a million pieces. No one would be able to put it back together. Despite everything, I want the best for you, I wouldn't let you stay by my side by force, like I did when I was younger. I'm ashamed when I think about it, I can't forgive myself for how much I hurt you.
- Then you must, Felix, because I forgave you a long time ago. And I will repeat it for the last time – you are a wonderful person. I love you more than life itself and I see my future only with you.
A smile spreads across his face as he leans down and plants a kiss on my forehead. He cups my face in his hands, looking into my eyes.
- I'm glad that a good angel watches over me and allowed me to get you back.
It's a beautiful sight to behold, both the sunset and the man I love. My eyes widen in shock as he pulls a box out of his pants pocket.
- So, currently, are you willing to give me a chance to start our life together? - he asks, showing me a beautiful, shiny ring.
Holding back tears, I nod in happiness as he places the ring on my finger. I hug him tightly, and he buries his face in my hair.
"We don't have to rush, but I want you to know that you're the biggest part of my future," he adds in a whisper. "I love you, Selena ."